Pune Okayama Friendship Garden

Spanning about 10 acres (4 hectares), the garden features the characteristics you’d expect to find in a traditional Japanese garden: beautifully manicured lawns, artificial hills, stone lanterns, bridges over streams, and ponds with brightly colored koi fish. You can enter for a small fee at the main entrance off of Sinhgad Road and easily explore the various sections, including the Zen, rock, and bamboo gardens, in a morning or evening visit.

• There’s a small admission fee for adults and children over 3.

• Visitors are encouraged to refrain from littering and respect the flora and fauna.

• While outside food is not permitted, there are food stalls inside the garden.

• The garden has seating and a children’s play area.

• Both picnics and walking on the lawns is prohibited.

The Garden is on Sinhgad Road in southwest Pune, making it easily accessible by car. Shivajinagar, the nearest train station, is connected to the garden via bus lines #322 and #87. As in most Indian cities, taxis and rickshaws are always convenient options, with the latter usually being more affordable.

The garden is open daily in the early morning and again during the evening; it’s closed midday. Though Pune has a relatively mild climate compared to much of India, the best time to visit is generally from October to February or March; this period has the most pleasant weather and avoids the punishing summer and monsoon seasons.

In addition to the ponds, bridges, and other typical elements of a Japanese garden, visitors will find a special collection of evergreen trees, such as Japanese camellias, willows, and pines. Additionally, there are intricate bamboo structures, small rice and coffee plantations, and artificial mountains made of wood, stone, and ceramics.